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ARBORETUM
Established by the Istanbul branch of the State Forestry Directorate, the arboretum may be entered only by special permission. |
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BELGRADE FOREST
The forest is north of the city parallel to the shore in the foothills of the Istranca Mountains. The Romans were the first to regulate the flow of water from the forest with its high rainfall. Water has been channeled continuously from the forest to the city ever since the Byzantine period. The best underground water sources in Istanbul are in this area: Hünkar, Kestane and Çirçir. The Belgrade Forest is a popular picnicking site and has a jogging and hiking trail. |
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BEYKOZ WOODS
This small wooded area on the Asian side is famous for its water sources and its spacious tea gardens. Also famous is the Hasir Restaurant serving Turkish meat dishes. |
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CEKMECE LAKES
Büyük Çekmece and Küçük Çekmece lake region is an hour away from the city. The population increases in summer when some Istanbul families go for a vacation there. The two lakes are connected and are an important water source. The area is ideal for fishing. |
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EMIRGAN WOODS
This wooded area is on the hills facing the Bosphorus above Emirgan. Kiosks, built as gifts to the sultan by the family of the governor of Egypt, are surrounded by large and well-kept gardens and serve today as restaurants and cafes. |
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GÜLHANE PARK
Located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, this park is popular among Istanbul residents for picknicking and its frequent open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet undefined Byzantine ruin. |
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PARK FOREST (PARKORMAN)
Located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, this park is popular among Istanbul residents for picknicking and its frequent open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet undefined Byzantine ruin. |
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YILDIZ PARK
Extending down the slopes from Yildiz Palace, this walled park was reserved only for palace residents in the time of Sultan Abdülhamit II. Today its many large and small kiosks serve as restaurants and teahouses. |
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